In Marks gospel account, a woman pours perfume on Jesus’ body to prepare Him for his funeral (Mark 14:8). Jesus states out loud that she is preparing Him for His funeral, yet not one of the gospel accounts seem to indicate anyone, including His disciples, understood that He was going to the cross. Not that evening. Not in the garden. Not on the day He faced Pilate. Not after He died and was laid in the tomb. Not after Mary Magdalene and Mary returned from the tomb with their news that Jesus had risen.
So, was there only one person who truly believed Jesus was about to die?
Oh, you thought I had the answer? Well, I am guessing that she may have been! I know I look back on the Old Testament and think the Israelites just didn’t get it. They grumbled and bowed down to other idols constantly. Then I have to remind myself I am not much different. When I read the gospels I think the same thing about the disciples. Here they had Jesus right in front of them. Telling them what was going to happen. Yet they never seemed to understand until Jesus was resurrected and in front of them eating fish with nail holes in his hands.
Another interesting note on the perfume. Dr. Bookman taught on the Passion Week at the beginning of the year (an awesome in-depth study) and he mentioned that Jesus’ clothing suddenly became more valuable with the expensive perfume on them! That was an issue I had never considered, but it makes so much sense.
We may not know this woman’s name, but Jesus states in Mark 14:9 that wherever the gospel is preached, this woman will be mentioned. Now that is a nice heritage.
Tell me your thoughts – do you think she was the only one who believed Jesus was about to die?
Heidi, you’ve asked a good question. It’s hard to say whether she knew Jesus was going to die or not, but for her to be mentioned in the Bible in such high regard. Wow! So amazing!